How to Use this Course

These modules are designed with School Liaisons’ busy schedules in mind. They are fully accessible by users of all abilities. Users may read text on the screen or listen via audio. All videos in these modules are also available with closed captioning. The content of any module may be accessed in repeat sessions. In order to access modules that have been completed, or to return to the content of any particular module, users can create a personal account for the modules. DoDEA does not keep a record of user activity that is tied to personal accounts, including answers to the optional self-assessment questions provided at the end of each lesson within the modules.

Users of the modules are asked to create a personal account with a username and password before beginning. This function provides the user the ability to “bookmark” where he or she has left off in a module or lesson. Using the newly created login, the user can return to content from the last session. The user can also easily see which of the modules she or he has completed.

The information captured about users through their account will only be used in aggregate form so that DoDEA can understand which modules were most viewed and how many users actually used the modules.

The full text of each module is also available in a printer-friendly format.

The sequence of modules has been selected to ensure that each module supports the next. For example, information about DoDEA and the U.S. education system is offered among the first few modules so that a foundational understanding is created, which will be useful in subsequent modules and lessons. Some important points:

Each module may contain from two to five lessons.

Each lesson is a subset of information that relates to the main module topic. On the landing page of each module, users will see all the lessons contained within it and be able to move from one lesson to another.

While it is recommended that users move through the modules and the lessons in the order they have been offered, it is not mandatory.

The learning objectives of each module will be provided at the beginning of each module and each lesson. These will also be reviewed at the end of each lesson and each module.

The information provided in each module has been carefully constructed to maximize understanding and user engagement. To do this, a few general instructional elements will be experienced:

Videos – Video allows users to hear from other School Liaisons as well as administrators, parents, and students.

Check Your Understanding – At the end of some modules and lessons, assessment questions are provided for users to gauge their understanding of the material presented.

Apply Your Learning – At the end of some modules and lessons, a real-life scenario is introduced to help users apply the lessons presented to their day-to-day work. Users react to the scenario by choosing among offered options on how to approach a particular problem or meet a certain need. Users will be given feedback based on their answer.

Graphics – Where appropriate, illustrations and charts are used to describe what is being offered in the text.

The modules have been structured so that the user can work from lesson to lesson following their own desired sequence. While in a module, the location of the page within the module and the overall curriculum will be highlighted.

Full access to all the tools and resources contained in each module is available from any screen. Users are encouraged to use these helpful tools and informative resources.

Each module contains a number of tools and information about additional resources. These are designed to provide School Liaisons ways to support their practice and build knowledge in a particular area.

Tools, a glossary, and resources can be accessed at the end of each module and through the home page. Here is a description of what is contained in each:

Tools - These have been created from examples provided by other School Liaisons and under guidance of DoDEA and DoD representatives. In general, the following types of tools may be provided in each learning module:

PowerPoint Presentations – As part of their outreach efforts, many School Liaisons conduct community or installation meetings to advise stakeholders such as district leaders or transitioning families. These PowerPoints are topic-specific to enable an SL to present targeted information as needed.

Templates – Using actual examples of School Liaisons’ work, templates have been created to support communication efforts through digital or paper media. These include items such as newsletters and form letters.

Fact Sheets – School Liaisons can use these topic-specific information sheets for parent mailings or to assist with public presentations.

Armed with an understanding of how to use this course, now it’s time to get started!